Police Intensify Search After Girl, 11, Falls Into River Thames

Kenji Nakamura

4 min read

Post on May 31, 2025

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Keywords: River Thames, missing girl, 11-year-old, police search, London, emergency services, missing person, water rescue

The River Thames, a landmark of London, is currently the scene of an urgent search and rescue operation. An 11-year-old girl fell into the water earlier today, prompting a massive response from police and emergency services. The search is ongoing, and authorities are appealing to the public for any information that could help bring her home safely.

The Incident: Circumstances Surrounding the Fall

The incident occurred around 3:00 PM today near the Albert Bridge in Chelsea. Witnesses report seeing the girl fall into the River Thames, apparently accidentally, while she was near the embankment. The weather was overcast with a light breeze, and the river's current was moderate.

• Time of fall: Approximately 3:00 PM
• Exact location: Near Albert Bridge, Chelsea (Specific details withheld to protect privacy)
• Witnesses present: Yes, several witnesses have come forward.
• Initial response from bystanders: Immediate calls to emergency services were made. Some bystanders attempted to assist before emergency personnel arrived.
• Any clues found at the scene: Police are currently investigating the scene to gather any potential evidence.

The Search and Rescue Operation: Extensive Efforts Underway

A large-scale search and rescue operation is underway, involving a significant deployment of resources. Police divers are scouring the water, while specialist rescue boats and a police helicopter are conducting aerial surveillance. The Metropolitan Police are leading the operation, working closely with the London Fire Brigade and London Ambulance Service.

• Types of search and rescue equipment used: Police divers, sonar equipment, underwater drones, rescue boats, helicopters.
• Number of personnel involved: Over 50 personnel from various emergency services are actively involved.
• Specific areas being searched: The search is focused on the area around Albert Bridge, extending downstream.
• Challenges faced by the rescue teams: Strong currents, changing tides, and low visibility underwater are proving challenging.
• Cooperation between different agencies: Excellent collaboration is underway between the police, fire brigade, and ambulance service.

Police Appeal for Information: Public's Help Requested

The Metropolitan Police are making a public appeal for information. The missing girl is described as being approximately 5 feet tall, with shoulder-length brown hair and wearing a blue t-shirt and jeans at the time of the incident. Anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has any information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, is urged to contact the police immediately.

• Description of the missing girl: 5 feet tall, brown shoulder-length hair, blue t-shirt, jeans.
• Contact details for providing information: Call 020 7XXX XXXX (replace XXXX with actual number) or contact your local police station.
• Social media channels for sharing updates: Follow the Metropolitan Police’s official Twitter account (@metpoliceuk) for updates.
• Request for any dashcam or CCTV footage: The police are particularly interested in any dashcam or CCTV footage from the area around Albert Bridge between 2:30 PM and 3:30 PM.

Potential Witnesses

The police are particularly keen to speak with anyone who was in the vicinity of Albert Bridge between 2:30 PM and 3:30 PM today. Even seemingly minor details, such as the direction of the current, the weather conditions at the time, or anything unusual observed, could prove crucial to the investigation. Any information, however small, could help piece together the events leading to the girl's fall and assist in locating her.

River Thames Safety: Prevention and Awareness

This incident highlights the inherent dangers of the River Thames and the importance of water safety. The strong currents and cold water pose significant risks, especially for children. Adult supervision near water bodies is crucial, and it's vital to educate children about the potential hazards.

• Importance of adult supervision near water: Never leave children unsupervised near water.
• Dangers of strong currents and cold water: These can quickly lead to difficulties even for strong swimmers.
• Water safety tips and resources: Visit the Royal Life Saving Society UK website ([link to RLSS UK website]) for valuable safety information and tips.

Conclusion:

The search for the missing 11-year-old girl who fell into the River Thames continues with significant resources deployed by the police and emergency services. The cooperation between different agencies is commendable, and the search is ongoing. However, the public’s help is crucial in this operation. If you have any information regarding this River Thames incident, please contact the Metropolitan Police immediately on 020 7XXX XXXX (replace XXXX with actual number). Help bring this 11-year-old home safely; any information on this missing girl case could be vital. You can also share updates from the Metropolitan Police’s official Twitter account (@metpoliceuk). Remember, water safety is paramount; always supervise children around water.